I deeply regret that I cannot attend the opening session of the congress and must limit myself to a written greeting.

Despite the gigantic difficulties standing in the way of the communist parties, the Comintern grows and strengthens. The main task remains as before — the conquest of the majority of the workers. And this task we shall accomplish, come what may.

Union of II and II

To the Petrograd workers and their new Soviet, which is receiving the IV congress of the Comintern in their city, best wishes and warm greetings.

The Petersburg workers must be among the first on the economic front as well. We hear with joy about the beginning of the economic revival of Petrograd. To your invitation to visit Petrograd I hope to respond with a journey in the near future.

Soviet power in Russia celebrates its first five years. It is more solid than ever before. The Civil War is ended. The first economic successes are evident. Soviet Russia considers it the greatest pride to aid the workers of the entire world in their difficult struggle for the overthrow of capitalism. Victory will be ours.

Long live the Communist International!

Moscow, November 4, 1922

V. Ulyanov (Lenin)

*Pravda* No. 253, November 9, 1922

Printed according to the newspaper text,
collated with the original, corrected by V. I. Lenin

278
V. I. LENIN
2